Luke 15:7

KJV

I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

KJV (with Strong's)

I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, that {G3754} likewise {G3779} joy {G5479} shall be {G2071} in {G1722} heaven {G3772} over {G1909} one {G1520} sinner {G268} that repenteth {G3340}, more than {G2228} over {G1909} ninety and nine {G1768} just persons {G1342}, which {G3748} need {G2192}{G5532} no {G3756} repentance {G3341}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who turns to God from his sins than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need to repent.

Berean Standard Bible

In the same way, I tell you that there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous ones who do not need to repent.

American Standard Version

I say unto you, that even so there shall be joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine righteous persons, who need no repentance.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 15:7 concludes the Parable of the Lost Sheep, a profound teaching by Jesus that reveals the boundless joy in heaven over the repentance of a single sinner. This verse underscores God's passionate pursuit of the lost and His immense delight when an individual turns from sin to Him, contrasting this divine celebration with the spiritual complacency of those who perceive themselves as already righteous and in no need of a transformative change of heart.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 15:7 is the concluding statement to the first of three parables—the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Lost Son—all found within [Luke 15](/luke/15 "Luke 15 - Parables of the Lost"). These parables are presented as Jesus' direct response to the grumbling of the Pharisees and scribes, who criticized Him for associating with and eating with "sinners" and tax collectors ([Luke 15:1-2](/luke/15-1-2 "Luke 15:1-2 - Pharisees Grumble at Jesus Eating with Sinners")). The parables collectively illustrate God's character as a loving Father who actively seeks the lost, rejoices over their return, and challenges the self-righteousness that condemns rather than welcomes. Each parable escalates the value of the lost item (one sheep, one coin, one son) and the intensity of the search and subsequent celebration, building to the climactic return of the prodigal son.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Jewish society, religious leaders like the Pharisees and scribes meticulously adhered to the Mosaic Law and oral traditions, often viewing themselves as distinct from and superior to "sinners" (a broad category including tax collectors, prostitutes, and those who did not observe their strict interpretations of the law). Eating with someone was a sign of fellowship and acceptance, which is why Jesus' actions were scandalous to them. Shepherding was a common occupation, and the image of a shepherd diligently searching for a lost sheep would have resonated deeply with the audience, symbolizing a profound commitment to each individual. The concept of repentance (Hebrew: *shuv*, Greek: *metanoia*) was central to Jewish thought, signifying a turning back to God, but Jesus' emphasis on God's active pursuit and overwhelming joy over such a turning was a radical reinterpretation of divine mercy.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the **Divine Joy Over Repentance**, highlighting God's passionate love and desire for reconciliation with humanity, a joy echoed in [Luke 15:10](/luke/15-10 "Luke 15:10 - Angels Rejoice Over One Sinner Who Repents"). It also emphasizes the **Infinite Value of Every Soul** in God's eyes, demonstrating that no individual is too insignificant or too lost to be sought and welcomed by God, a truth further elaborated in the subsequent parables. Furthermore, the verse subtly critiques **Self-Righteousness vs. True Righteousness**. The "ninety and nine just persons who need no repentance" are often understood as those who, like the Pharisees, believe themselves to be righteous by their own works and therefore see no need for repentance or God's mercy, a stark contrast to the humble, contrite heart God desires ([Psalm 51:17](/psalm/51-17 "Psalm 51:17 - A Broken and Contrite Heart")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sinner (Greek, _hamartōlós'_):** From *hamartanō*, meaning "sinful, i.e., a sinner." This term broadly refers to someone who misses the mark, deviates from God's standard, or transgresses His law. In the context of Luke 15, it specifically refers to those marginalized individuals, like tax collectors and prostitutes, whom the religious elite deemed morally impure and unworthy of fellowship.
* **repenteth (Greek, _metanoéō'_):** From *meta* (change) and *noeō* (to think), meaning "to think differently or afterwards, i.e., reconsider (morally, feel compunction)." This word signifies more than mere regret; it denotes a fundamental change of mind, a decisive turning away from sin and toward God, involving a transformation of one's will and direction in life.
* **joy (Greek, _chará'_):** From *chairō*, meaning "cheerfulness, i.e., calm delight." This term describes a deep, abiding gladness and profound delight. Its use here emphasizes the genuine, overflowing happiness that permeates the heavenly realm—among God, angels, and the heavenly host—when a sinner undergoes the transformative process of repentance.
* **just persons (Greek, _díkaios'_):** From *dikē*, meaning "equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)." This term refers to those who are righteous, upright, or innocent. In this parable, it likely refers to those who perceive themselves as righteous, perhaps through their adherence to the Law, and thus believe they have no need for repentance, contrasting with the "sinner" who acknowledges their need.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven":** Jesus emphasizes the certainty and truth of His statement with the authoritative "I say unto you." The phrase "joy shall be in heaven" personifies heaven as a place of profound emotion, indicating that this joy is not merely human sentiment but a divine, celestial celebration involving God Himself and His angelic host. It implies that the spiritual state of humanity directly impacts the heavenly realm.
* **"over one sinner that repenteth":** This clause highlights the specific cause of this heavenly rejoicing: the turning of a single individual from a life of sin to God. The emphasis on "one" underscores the immense value God places on each individual soul, demonstrating that no person is insignificant in His eyes. The act of "repentance" is key—it is not just regret, but a transformative change of heart and direction.
* **"more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance":** This comparative clause presents a striking paradox. The "ninety and nine just persons" are those who are either genuinely righteous and already in right relationship with God (a minority) or, more likely in this context, those who are self-righteous, believing they have no need for repentance. Jesus' point is not that God values the repentant sinner *more* than the righteous, but that the *act of repentance* itself, signifying a lost soul found and restored, triggers a unique and profound joy in heaven, a joy that is not elicited by those who are already "safe" or who mistakenly believe they are without need.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 15:7 employs several powerful literary devices. **Hyperbole** is evident in the comparison of joy "over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons." This exaggerated contrast is not meant to diminish the value of the righteous but to dramatically emphasize the extraordinary nature and intensity of heavenly joy over the restoration of a lost soul. **Contrast** is central to the verse, setting the "one sinner that repenteth" against the "ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance." This highlights the differing spiritual states and the distinct responses they evoke in heaven. The phrase "joy shall be in heaven" also uses **Personification**, attributing the human emotion of joy to an abstract concept ("heaven"), thereby conveying the active and profound emotional response of God and the angelic host.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 15:7 profoundly reveals God's character as a compassionate, pursuing, and rejoicing Father. It underscores that God's heart is primarily for the lost and broken, those who recognize their need for Him and turn in humility. The immense joy in heaven over one repentant sinner demonstrates the immeasurable value God places on each individual soul and His fervent desire for reconciliation. This divine joy is a testament to the transformative power of repentance, which brings restoration to the individual and celebration in the spiritual realm, challenging any human tendency towards self-righteousness or judgmentalism.

* [Luke 15:10](/luke/15-10 "Luke 15:10 - Angels Rejoice Over One Sinner Who Repents")
* [Matthew 9:12-13](/matthew/9-12-13 "Matthew 9:12-13 - Jesus Came to Call Sinners, Not the Righteous")
* [Ezekiel 18:23](/ezekiel/18-23 "Ezekiel 18:23 - God Desires Not the Death of the Wicked, But Their Repentance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers profound encouragement and a vital call to action for all believers. For those who feel lost, unworthy, or burdened by past mistakes, Luke 15:7 is a powerful assurance that God eagerly awaits their return and rejoices with an overwhelming, unconditional love over their repentance. No one is beyond God's reach or too far gone to be welcomed back into His embrace. For those who consider themselves "found," this passage fosters humility, reminding us that true righteousness is not found in self-sufficiency or a perceived lack of need for God's grace, but in a humble recognition of our ongoing dependence on His mercy and forgiveness. It also serves as a potent motivation for evangelism and outreach, compelling us to actively seek out and share the message of repentance and salvation, knowing that every conversion brings immense joy to heaven and fulfills God's passionate desire to redeem His lost children.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth" challenge your understanding of God's priorities and character?**
* **In what ways might you, like the "ninety and nine just persons," be complacent in your spiritual journey or fail to recognize your ongoing need for repentance and grace?**
* **How can understanding God's heart for the lost motivate you to share the Gospel or extend compassion to those you might otherwise judge?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance" are often interpreted in two primary ways, both relevant to Jesus' teaching. First, they can represent genuinely righteous individuals who are already in a right relationship with God and thus do not need a fundamental turning *from* sin *to* God in the same way a lost sinner does. However, in the immediate context of [Luke 15:1-2](/luke/15-1-2 "Luke 15:1-2 - Pharisees Grumble at Jesus Eating with Sinners"), where Jesus is responding to the Pharisees and scribes, the phrase more likely refers to those who are self-righteous. These are individuals who, like the critics, believe themselves to be morally upright and without need of repentance or God's forgiveness, often judging others as "sinners." Jesus' parable highlights that while they may appear "just" in their own eyes, their spiritual complacency and lack of humility prevent them from experiencing the transformative joy of true repentance, which is so celebrated in heaven.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 15:7 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the divine Shepherd who embodies the very heart of God described in this parable, actively leaving the "ninety-nine" to seek and save the "one" lost sheep ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - Jesus Came to Seek and Save the Lost")). Jesus' entire ministry was characterized by His association with and call to sinners, demonstrating God's radical love and desire for reconciliation, a stark contrast to the religious elite of His day ([Matthew 9:13](/matthew/9-13 "Matthew 9:13 - Jesus Calls Sinners")). The "joy in heaven" over a repentant sinner is made possible through Christ's atoning sacrifice, which provides the means for true repentance and forgiveness of sins ([Acts 5:31](/acts/5-31 "Acts 5:31 - Jesus Exalted to Give Repentance and Forgiveness")). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), making it possible for humanity to turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God ([Acts 26:18](/acts/26-18 "Acts 26:18 - To Open Their Eyes and Turn Them to God")). Thus, every instance of repentance and subsequent heavenly joy is a direct result of Christ's finished work and ongoing intercession, bringing individuals into a new creation in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:17-19](/2_corinthians/5-17-19 "2 Corinthians 5:17-19 - New Creation in Christ and Reconciliation")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 5:32

I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Luke 15:10

Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

Luke 15:32

It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.

Matthew 18:13

And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that [sheep], than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.

Proverbs 30:12

[There is] a generation [that are] pure in their own eyes, and [yet] is not washed from their filthiness.

Luke 18:9

¶ And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:

Luke 18:11

The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men [are], extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.